An aging bench jeweler workforce and a dearth of young jewelry makers is occurring—just when customized jewelry and Made in USA products have grown in popularity. Many—even most—of the bench jewelry needs of consumers are best met locally. Whether the customer wants a brand new custom design or to have her jewelry repaired or cleaned, being able to give that jewelry to a local jewelry-making expert instills confidence and increases satisfaction.

Small manufacturers and jewelry designers discovered some time ago that the economics of producing jewelry overseas don't work well for boutique production shops, and they are frequently uncomfortable with the working conditions and ethical considerations of using foreign labor. If you are a jewelry designer producing in-house or looking to produce locally, you already know how difficult it can be to find skilled bench jewelers.